Gaming on the Cheap

Gaming on the Cheap

I’ve never been the first on the block with a new system, product, or service.  I’m always hesitant when getting new things because I live on a budget-not a strict one really, but I am always mindful of how I spend my money.

My system library looks something like this:

ColecoVision; Atari 2600; NES; Game Gear; N64; PS1; Xbox

The most notable consoles I skipped out on include the SNES, Game Boy, Genesis, PS2, and Dreamcast.  All these systems I wanted at one time or another, but held out for the next one – a sort of “every other” plan if you will.  This has been good and bad in that I have not spent a fortune on new systems and games and that has paid dividends in terms of savings, college, and other things.  It’s bad in that I’m always behind the times.  I’d love to own a 360, but it’s really just not in the budget right now – perhaps when H3 is released, if the price drops a bit.  The good news for those of you who are like me is that there is a LOT of fun to be had still with your old systems, if you just look at them as an investment.  I say investment because there are always going to be “bigger better” systems with HD graphics and state-of-the-art this-and-that.  I would argue, though, that the true game can have as much or more fun playing Super Techmo Bowl on NES than the newest copy of Madden (or any comparative “then-and-now” game/genre.  I was in Game Exchange the other day and saw a guy trade in about 10 games and some type of system.  I think the games were PS2 or Xbox, and the clerk said they wouldn’t even buy the used system because the serial number was too low.  The guy got around $55 for all his games (and let’s assume that on average he paid $35 a game for them new or slightly used [probably more though] – that means he had a net loss of $295, and even more loss if you take into account of owning a system with no games to play on it.  I pity the foo’.  Granted, everyone owns some games that ended up being mediocre and will never be played again, so $2 is better than a dust collector right?  I would agree, and would sell some of my games for $2 if I thought I could get that much.  I think the question gamers should ask themselves is this: will I EVER in my lifetime play this game again, or will my children EVER play it?  If yes, then it is worth holding on to.  So, continuing with my “gaming on the cheap” theme, as I mentioned, I have no qualms snagging second-hand games for half the price (or cheaper).  I didn’t get my xbox until Christmas of 2004, after it had been out for quite some time.  (Thanks to my wife for the best, though likely most regrettable, Christmas present ever; nothing says “I love you” like a present that you know will consume potential quality time and money.  You rock, babe.)  The financial benefit of “holding out” is obvious when you look at eBay and game stores’ prices on used merchandise.  Take someone with an identical library as mine, and I can probably guarantee you I’ve spent less.  One may argue that I’m “missing out” on all the fun of the new system, and to some extent they are correct.  When and if I do get a 360, I will never have the same amount of fun playing GRAW or COD2 on Live as they are simply because the online community for those games will have dwindled by then and have moved on to the latest and greatest.  And, I’ll admit that some games would have been more fun had I entered the online scene of them sooner (Forza, Doom 3, NFSU2, NCAA05/Top Spin).  I have no regrets though, and no debts either, which is something of which to be proud.  To those like-minded fellows and ladies who prefer, or must, save a buck or two here and there, don’t be discouraged that you’re not “in the loop.”  You’re just not in THAT particular “latest & greatest” loop, and, wait for it, THAT’S OKAY.

Check out Gamespot.com or ign or your “all things gaming” website of choice.  At gamespot, you can choose a console and sort ALL the games by rating.  Just looking at the “winners” over the years, you can build a substantial wish list of some awesome games, and then proceed to acquire that wish list.  Meanwhile, the price of the latest system and its games is declining.  So while you’re having fun with your shiny used copy of Ninja Gaiden Black, a) you do not feel so alienated from “the IN crowd” since you’re having a blast yourself, 2) you’re obtaining enjoyment at a fraction of the cost, and d) you will never run out of titles to “catch up” on.  My newest game is Fable: The Lost Chapters.  It is a blast and my next blog will likely be based on it for the un-informed.  I’d put it in this post, but don’t want to be too long-winded (so much for that).  Regarding budgeted gaming (aka “gaming on the cheap”) though, know that it is possible with a bit of patience and the ability to be content for the time being.  As a disclaimer, this blog is in no way derogatory of “the IN crowd” that has 360’s or pre-ordered PS3’s or the best of the best.  Many of us, myself included, would have a 360 if we could, but must refrain for the time being.  Don’t sell your copies of GRAW and PGR3, and be ready to dust ‘em off down the road when I can give you a run for your money.  Happy gaming to all.